TAKE 2 n E BALKAN
ALTERNATIVES For clients who have ticked off the classic
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Balkans hotspots, suggest these lesser-known alternatives, says Lina Molloholli
he Balkans is fast becoming one of Europe’s must-visit regions, but with its signature
hotspots getting busier – and pricier – than ever, now is a good time to steer clients to a more sustainable stay by highlighting the region’s lesser-known areas and off-season appeal. They’ll get all the sunshine and scenery they’d expect of the Balkans, but without the crowds, queues or sky-high summer rates. Stretching from Slovenia’s short but scenic coastline down to the sun-bleached bays of Albania, this region is full of places that feel refreshingly ‘new’ to British holidaymakers, yet tick all the boxes for a year-round break.
travelweekly.co.uk Accessibility is also improving
with operators such as Intrepid Travel, Olympic Holidays, Trafalgar, Travelsphere, Cosmos, Just Go Holidays and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions introducing Balkan destinations for the first time. Flight routes from
Jet2.com, Tui, Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet are also growing. If clients love the Croatian coastline, but want somewhere quieter; go wild for the Greek islands, but prefer a tamer price tag; or want old towns dripping with Venetian charm, the Balkans offer plenty of smart alternatives that have the added benefit of helping to drive tourism to less-visited areas.
² 4 DECEMBER 2025 49
DESTINATIONS BALKANS | SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
LIKE THIS? SARANDË, ALBANIA
Sarandë remains one of the Albanian Riviera’s most recognisable spots with its white-washed hotels, lively promenades, green hills and aquamarine sea. It is beloved for its Instagram-famous, Maldives-like beaches and for being just a short boat ride from the Unesco-listed Butrint ruins and The Blue Eye Spring, with the outline of Corfu on the Aegean horizon.
VLORË, ALBANIA
The vibe: Only a two-hour drive from the capital, at first glance Vlorë feels more like a functional hub than a resort-like town. “For agents, key selling points are Vlorë’s value for money, uncrowded beaches and appeal to both adventure-seekers and those looking for a relaxed seaside break. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers and families wanting something a little different,” says Leanne Edwards, head of sales at Olympic Holidays. The highlights: The revamped Lungomare promenade (expanded pedestrian zone and beach) is perfect for leisurely strolls, while Zvërnec Island, reached by a wooden causeway, is a great day trip to visit lakeside St Mary’s Monastery. Nature fans can hop over to Narta Lagoon to spot flamingos, or to Karaburun Peninsula or Sazan Island to visit sea caves and quiet coves. There’s also plenty of history woven in, with Ottoman and Byzantine touches around town and the ancient ruins of Apollonia within easy reach. Book it: Olympic Holidays offers a seven-night stay at the Abi’s Hotel & Spa from £718 per person sharing a Double Room Inland View room with breakfast. Includes luggage and flights from Heathrow departing on May 9.
olympicholidays.com
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PICTURES: Shutterstock/Bardhok Ndoji, VikSid
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